I’m interested in theoretical physics and astrophysics, but I’m completely confused about how to narrow down my research interests.

I am looking for some advice from people who have applied for or are currently doing a PhD abroad in physics.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and a master’s degree in Physics. I’m pretty sure that I want to stay on the theoretical side of physics. I’m really interested in fundamental questions and understanding the physics behind things. Black holes, GR, cosmology, and early universe physics are the kind of topics that I really like.

I’m not really into observational work or heavy data handling. I’m much more comfortable with the pen and paper side of things. Coding isn't really my strong side either, but I’m okay with learning whatever coding is necessary. I just don’t think I’d enjoy a research area where coding or computation is the main part of the work.

The problem is that I’m finding it really difficult to narrow down my research interests. I've gone through so many university websites, PhD programs and research group pages, and somehow I’m still confused. I know the general direction I want, but there are so many areas within theoretical physics that I don’t know how people actually narrow it down.

So I’d really like to hear from people who are already doing theoretical physics or astrophysics. What university are you at, what do you work on, and what does your research actually look like? When you were applying, did you already know exactly what you wanted to work on, or did you figure it out later? What did your application look like, and how did you prepare yourself before applying? How hard was it for you to get into your university?

I’ve been going back and forth for a while between “yeah, I should definitely go for it” and “do I actually have the skills for this?” “Would applying just be a waste of time?”

So honestly, if you’re doing a PhD in theoretical physics or astrophysics, please talk to me 😭. I’m just trying to understand what this whole journey actually looks like from someone who’s already on the other side of it. So yeah, please share your experience. I’d really, really appreciate it.